1. Utilize VPNs

If you ever use public internet connections or unsecured wifi, it's a good idea to use a connection encryption tool such as a VPN. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and it's meant to encrypt any data on your device or that you transmit across that public network while you're connected to it. While many companies have VPNs that their employees must use to protect company data, it's also good cybersecurity practice to use one for your personal data needs.

2. Educate Yourself on Encryption

While encryption tools may be easy to implement and use, the concept may be confusing at first if you're unfamiliar with these tools. Encryption is meant to prevent unauthorized parties from accessing your data when you transmit it via the internet. There are tools that can encrypt specific files or your entire connection, depending on what type or amount of protection your information needs. These tools encrypt data by garbling it or converting it into code so only approved parties can understand or access it. You can start your education by searching what is SSL or what is a VPN.

3. Encrypt Communications Involving Your Personal Data

Even on a secured internet connection, you should provide further protection to any communications you receive or send that involve personal data. Encrypt emails that contain sensitive information and use encrypted apps or turn on encryption features whenever possible. These tools ensure that only you and your recipient can access the information you send. No one who attempts to access the information by hacking will be able to do so.

4. Use Encryption in Conjunction With Other Security Measures

Never rely on encryption alone to protect your online presence. Encryption is one type of tool among many, and it's meant for a very specific purpose: obscuring your sensitive information from malicious third parties. To provide as robust a security system as possible, you should incorporate other tools as well. Make sure you include antivirus and antimalware software, firewalls, disc defragmentation tools, adblock software, strong passwords or password managers and multifactor authentication. You should also make sure you understand as much as you can about cybersecurity and the methods cybercriminals use to circumvent security measures or utilize social engineering to infilrate people's internet connections or devices.

5. Remember To Use Protected Internet Browsing Modes

Not only should you use a VPN to encrypt your data from end to end, but you should also consider using protected internet browsing tools. Most browsers come with encrypted modes, such as Incognito Mode on Google Chrome, that enable you to browse the internet safely when you want or need to share or upload sensitive personal data. These browsing modes do not necessarily prevent websites from sharing ads with you or keep your location information private. However, they do ensure cookies and other data from your browsing session aren't saved when you close the window and that data about your online activity isn't saved when you end your session. When used in conjunction with another encryption tool, such as a VPN, protected browsing modes can provide you with the protection you need to safeguard your data.

It's important to remember that encryption tools aren't the only things available to protect yourself online, nor are they the only tools you should use. There are certain things encryption cannot protect your data from, such as viruses and malware. Other tools are necessary to cover those gaps.

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